Grosse Pointe Times | Published July 3, 2025
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Every Saturday morning, laughter and learning fill a room inside Grosse Pointe Congregational Church. That’s where The Calming Corner—founded by certified mindfulness instructor and former ER physician assistant Roxanne Colen—offers a unique blend of mindfulness meditation combined with emotional training for children ages 5 to 9.
Roxanne launched the program after raising three children with diverse needs, including ADHD and mild cerebral palsy. “I recognized early on that they would face challenges in life,” Roxanne shared. “It was important for me to teach them self-worth and emotional intelligence, equipping them with the tools to navigate life’s obstacles.”
Her daughter, Emily Colen, now serves as chief marketing officer and leads the Storytime Yoga portion of the weekly sessions. “We’re not just teaching movement—we’re showing kids how to recognize big emotions, use affirmations and be kind to themselves and others,” Emily said. “I love getting to know the kids, seeing their smiling faces and hearing them tell each other things like, ‘I think you’re a really kind person.’”
Classes begin with circle time and guided lessons based on weekly themes such as confidence and teamwork. Children then participate in games, crafts and a guided meditation designed to reinforce a positive sense of self.
The Calming Corner’s sessions aim to teach children the art of slowing down and tuning into their inner selves. By fostering an environment of calm and introspection, the program helps kids build a foundation of mindful practices that encourage thoughtful and uplifting mental habits.
The program separates younger children from older ones to tailor activities to their age-appropriate developmental stages. For the 5-to-6-year-old group, meditations are filled with superheroes and visuals. Older participants are guided toward deeper self-reflection and goal setting.
Parents leave impressed by the growth they witness. “They see their child speak confidently, look others in the eye and come home proud of who they are,” Roxanne added.
The Calming Corner offers weekly Saturday classes, with sessions from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for ages 5–6 and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 7–9. To enroll or learn more, visit thecalmingcorner.co or call (313) 451-3512.
The Calming Corner is located at Grosse Pointe Congregational Church - Fellowship Hall, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms.